Content capturing device

ABSTRACT

A content capturing device applies to a music reproducing device. The music reproducing device has a function as an Internet radio receiver of receiving via the Internet a program provided from a radio server at a broadcast station. When a predetermined operation is performed while an arbitrary piece of music is being received by means of this function, the radio server sends music information related to the music being received and according to the operating environment of the music reproducing device, to the music reproducing device. When an operation of making a request for downloading is performed by the music reproducing device, data for storage according to the music information is downloaded from the music distribution server to the music reproducing device. Therefore, it is possible to download the data for storage on a desired piece of music to the music reproducing device in an easy manner and in a form according to the operating environment of the music reproducing device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a content capturing device. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a content capturingdevice that has a function of reproducing in real time a content signalreceived from a sending source.

PRIOR ART

A conventional example of this kind of apparatus is disclosed inJapanese Patent Laid-open No. 2002-318587. According to the prior art,music data broadcast from a broadcast station is received by a musicdata receiver and is reproduced in real time. The music data includesmusic-related information for identifying the music data. When apredetermined instruction is given by a user of the music data receiver,the music data receiver is connected to a music distribution serverbased on the music-related information. Then, a distribution requestcontaining the music-related information is sent from the music datareceiver to the music distribution server. In response to that, themusic data identified by the music-related information is downloadedfrom the music distribution server to the music data receiver.Therefore, the user can easily download the music data even though hehas no knowledge about the music being broadcast such as the title ofthe music.

Incidentally, such data to be downloaded as mentioned above is generallyprovided in a compressed state. In addition, there exist various modesfor compressing data. Meanwhile, with the above mentioned prior art, themusic data (music) itself to be downloaded is uniquely identifiedaccording to the music-related information, but its compression mode isnot identified, that is, it is limited to a certain compression mode.Therefore, in a unit as a download destination (music data receiver), itis necessary to provide an environment for decompressing the datacompressed in the certain compression mode. Thus, there is a problemwhere the downloaded data could not be reproduced without such anenvironment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide anovel content capturing device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a contentcapturing device which can capture a desired content signal in an easymanner and in a form according to its operating environment.

The present invention is a content capturing device having a function ofreproducing in real time a first content signal received from a firstsending source, comprising a holding means for holding operatingenvironment information, an acquiring means for acquiring contentinformation corresponding to the first content signal and according tothe operating environment information from the first sending source, anda capturing means for capturing a second content for storage from asecond sending source based on the content information.

In the present invention, the holding means holds the operatingenvironment information indicative of the operating environment of thecontent capturing device itself. Then, while the first content signalreceived from the first sending source is being reproduced in real time,the acquiring means acquires from the first sending source the contentinformation corresponding to the first content signal being reproducedand according to the operating environment information. Then, based onthe content signal, the capturing means captures from the second sendingsource the second content signal for storage, more specifically, thecontent signal corresponding to the first content signal and accordingto the operating environment of the content capturing device itself.

Additionally, the acquiring means may include a requesting means forissuing a request to the first sending source for acquisition of thecontent information and a receiving means for receiving the contentinformation sent from the first sending source in response to therequest made by the requesting means.

In this case, the requesting means may deliver the operating environmentinformation in making a request to the first sending source foracquisition of the content information.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second content signal isa compressed signal. The second content signal which is compressed isdecompressed by a decompressing means. Also, the operating environmentinformation includes compression mode information on compression modessupported by the decompressing means.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the operatingenvironment information includes language information indicative of aspecific language. Thus, at least a part of the content information isoutput in the specific language from an information output means.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, a setting meansarbitrarily sets the operating environment information.

Besides, the first content signal includes an audio signal for radiobroadcasting.

According to the present invention, based on the content informationacquired from the first sending source, captured is the second contentsignal for storage corresponding to the first content signal underreproduction and according to the operating environment of the contentcapturing device itself. That is, it is possible to capture the desiredcontent signal in an easy manner and in a form according to theoperating environment of the content capturing device itself.

The above described objects and other objects, features, aspects andadvantages of the present invention will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the present invention when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a musicreproducing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a flow of operation of an entiresystem during the time when downloading is done by means of the quickdownload function of the music reproducing device in the FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view showing one example of information windowdisplayed on a liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a conceptual structure ofoperating environment information sent from the music reproducing deviceto a radio server in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing conceptual recorded contents of amanagement database within the radio server shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing a conceptual structure of musicinformation sent from the radio server to the music reproducing devicein the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustrative view showing conceptual recorded contents of amanagement list shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing one example of a downloadacceptance window displayed on the liquid crystal display shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing conceptual recorded contents ofa music database within a music distribution server shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing one example of a message windowdisplayed on the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a message window different fromthat shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing a message window still differentfrom that shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing a message window furtherdifferent from that shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing a flow of operation of theentire system during the time when downloading is done by means of theafter download function of the music reproducing device in the FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing one example of a top windowdisplayed on the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing a download acceptance windowdifferent from that shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing a flow of operation of theentire system during the time when downloading is done in a patterndifferent from that shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing a message window still differentfrom that shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing a message window furtherdifferent from that shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of a main CPU during thetime when an α broadcast station is selected by the music reproducingdevice in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main CPU during thetime when the after download function of the music reproducing device isenabled in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the radio server that isaccessed by the music reproducing device in the FIG. 1 embodiment; and

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the music distributionserver that is accessed by the music reproducing device in the FIG. 1embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a music distribution system 10 of this embodimentincludes a music reproducing device 200 capable of being connected tothe Internet 100, a radio server 300 for providing via the Internet 100the same program as that broadcast on radio, and a music distributionserver 400 for distributing music data via the Internet 100.

The music reproducing device 200 is a home appliance having the functionof receiving a program provided from the radio server 300, as aso-called Internet radio receiver.

More specifically, the music reproducing device 200 has a communicationconnector 12 constituting a physical port to connect with the Internet100, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the communication connector 12 isconnected to a not illustrated modem (for example, an ADSL (AsymmetricDigital Subscriber Line) modem) via a not illustrated LAN (Local AreaNetwork) cable, and thus is connected to a telephone line. Meanwhile, inthe music reproducing device 200, the communication connector 12 isconnected to a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16 via a LANcontroller 14 ready for Ethernet (registered trademark). Also, the mainCPU 16 is formed by ASIC (Application Specified IC) integrally with aDSP (Digital Signal Processor) 18 described later. Besides, in additionto the main CPU 16, a sub CPU 20 for controlling a man-machine interfaceis provided within the music reproducing device 200.

When an operation of accessing the radio server 300 at an arbitrarybroadcast station, that is, a selecting operation is carried out by anoperating key 22, the sub CPU 20 notifies the main CPU 16 of the detailsof the operation. Based on the notification from the sub CPU 20, themain CPU 16 generates a packet signal for making an access request tothe radio server 300, according to TCP/IP (Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol). The generated packet signal is sent to theInternet 100 via the LAN controller 14 and the communication connector12, and is delivered to the radio server 300 through a predeterminedroute. That is, the packet signal is routed to the radio server 300.

The radio server 300 recognizes the access request from the musicreproducing device 200 by receiving the above mentioned packet signal.Then, in response to the access request, it turns streaming dataindicative of the contents of the program into packet signals accordingto TCP/IP, and then sends them to the music reproducing device 200.

The packet signals sent from the radio server 300 to the musicreproducing device 200 are input in sequence to the main CPU 16 via thecommunication connector 12 and the LAN controller 14. The main CPU 16retrieves the above mentioned streaming data from the input packetsignals, and temporarily stores the retrieved streaming data in an SDRAM(Synchronous Dynamic RAM) 24 as a main memory. Then, it transfers thestreaming data stored in the SDRAM 24 to the DSP 18.

The streaming data transferred to the DSP 18 is data compressed in WMA(Windows Media Audio: Windows is a registered trademark) mode, forexample. The DSP 18 decodes the compressed streaming data to reproducepre-compression PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) data. A decoding program fordecoding data thus compressed in WMA mode is stored in a flash memory26. The flash memory 26 also stores a decoding program for decoding datacompressed in MP3 (MPEG-1/Audio Layer3) mode. That is, the DSP 18functions as a decoder supporting two audio compression modes, WMA modeand MP3 mode.

The PCM data reproduced by the DSP 18 is input into a D/A conversioncircuit 28 and converted there into an audio signal as an analogelectric signal. The converted audio signal is input to an amplifyingcircuit 32 via a sound source switching circuit 30, subjected to anamplifying process, and then input into each of right and left speakers34 and 36. This allows the speaker 34 and 36 to output the sounds of theprogram in real time.

In addition to the function of an Internet radio receiver, the musicreproducing device 200 has a download function of downloading music datafor storage from the music distribution server 400. The downloadfunction includes two features: a quick download function and an afterdownload function.

One of them, the quick download function is enabled while the deviceworks as the above mentioned Internet radio receiver and receives aprogram from a specific broadcast station (the α broadcast station inthis embodiment). According to the quick download function, when apredetermined operation is performed by means of the operating key 22while an arbitrary music is broadcast at a program from the α broadcaststation, data for storage on the music is promptly downloaded from themusic distribution server 400. Also, the data for storage is provided ina compression mode that can be decoded by the music reproducing device200 (DSP 18), i.e. in WMA mode or MP3 mode.

Moreover, prior to downloading of the data for storage, informationrelated to the data for storage, for example, information such as thetitle of the music and the name of the performer is acquired from theradio server 300 at the α broadcast station. Then, the acquiredinformation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38 in a languageaccording to local information described later.

More specifically, if an operation of selecting the α broadcast stationis now performed on the music reproducing device 200 as shown in FIG. 3,for example, then the music reproducing device 200 makes an accessrequest to the radio server 300 at the a broadcast station in the abovedescribed manner. In response to the access request, the radio server300 at the α broadcast station sends streaming data (packet signals) ofthe program to the music reproducing device 200. As a result, the soundsof the program are output from the speakers 34 and 36 of the musicreproducing device 200. In addition, the liquid crystal display 3 8displays an information window shown in FIG. 4. Incidentally, display ofthe liquid crystal display 38 is controlled by the sub CPU 20. The subCPU 20 controls display of the liquid crystal display 38 underinstructions from the main CPU 16.

Displayed in an upper part of the information window shown in FIG. 4 isa horizontally written character string 102 indicating that the musicreproducing device 200 functions as an Internet radio receiver and thatthe α broadcast station is currently selected. Also, displayed under thecharacter string 102 is a horizontally written character string 104indicating that it is possible to acquire information on the music beingreceived. Moreover, displayed in a horizontal row under the characterstring 104 are horizontally written character strings 106, 108 and 110indicative of the respective functions of an F1 key 22 a, F2 key 22 band F3 key 22 c constituting the operating key 22.

When the F2 key 22 b is pressed here, the music reproducing device 200(main CPU 16) makes an access request to the radio server 300 at anotherbroadcast station in order to select that broadcast station. On theother hand, when the F3 key 22 c is pressed, the music reproducingdevice 200 disables its function as an Internet radio receiver, andterminates the connection to the Internet 100.

Also, when the F1 key 22 a is pressed while an arbitrary music isbroadcast at a program being received (from the α broadcast station),the music reproducing device 200 issues a music information acquisitionrequest to the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station in order toobtain information on the arbitrary music. At the same time, the musicreproducing device 200 also sends operating environment informationshown in FIG. 5 to the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station. Inaddition, these music information acquisition request and operatingenvironment information are delivered by packet signals according to theabove mentioned TCP/IP, from the music reproducing device 200 to theradio server 300 at the α broadcast station.

Referring to FIG. 5, the operating environment information includesinformation on a first compression mode and a second compression modeand the above mentioned local information. Among them, the firstcompression mode and the second compression mode means compression modeswhich allows decoding by the music reproducing device 200 (DSP 18). FIG.5 presents a state where “MP3 mode” is set as the first compression modeand “WMA mode” is set as the second compression mode. Which compressionmode, “MP3 mode” or “WMA mode”, to be set as the first compression modeor second compression mode can be arbitrarily selected by means of theoperating key 22. Additionally, the local information indicates thecountry in which the music reproducing device 200 is to be used, inother words, the nationality of a user of the music reproducing device200. FIG. 5 indicates a state where the local information is set to“Japan”. The local information can also be arbitrarily set bymanipulating the operating key 22. Incidentally, a program for settingarbitrary operating environment information is stored in the abovementioned flash memory 26. Also, the set operating environmentinformation is stored as well in the flash memory 26. No specialdescription is provided here as to a procedure for setting the operatingenvironment information and the details of its process.

Meanwhile, the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station has amanagement database 302 which records various kinds of information onpieces of music broadcast at its programs (including the ones alreadybroadcast and the ones to be broadcast in the future). Specifically, asshown in FIG. 6, the management database 302 records a music ID given toeach piece of music, the title of the music, the name of the performer,information indicative of whether the music data for storage is preparedor not in the music distribution server 400, and if the data for storageis prepared, the compression mode and the data ID given to each of thedata for storage.

More specifically, a piece of music titled “AAAAA” sang (or played) by aperformer named “aaaaa”, for example, is given a unique music ID“100001”. Also, for the music, the data for storage is prepared in themusic distribution server 400. The data for storage is available inthree kinds of data compressed in “MP3 mode”, “WMA mode” and “ACC(Advanced Audio Coding) mode”, respectively. Moreover, the managementdatabase 302 records that these three kinds of data for storage aregiven individual data IDs, “A00001”, “A00002” and “A0003”, respectively.In addition, according to the management database 302, a piece of musictitled “BBBBB” sang by a performer named “bbbbb” is given a managementID “100002”. Since “0” is recorded in the section indicative of thepresence or absence of data for storage, it can be found that no datafor storage is prepared. Incidentally, the title of the music and thename of the performer are recorded in a plurality of forms according toa plurality of languages including Japanese, English, French, Italian,Korean (Hangul), etc.

Upon reception of the above mentioned music information acquisitionrequest issued from the music reproducing device 200, the radio server300 at the α broadcast station identifies information on the music beingbroadcast, more specifically, the music ID, the title of the music, thename of the performer and the presence or absence of data for storage,from the management database 302. Furthermore, if it has determined thatthere exists the data for storage (if “1” is recorded in the sectionindicative of the presence or absence of data for storage), then itdetermines whether or not there exists, in the prepared data forstorage, data compressed in a mode corresponding to the firstcompression mode contained in the above mentioned operating environmentinformation, i.e., the MP3 mode. If such data exists, the data ID forthe data is identified. Besides, if there is no data for storagecompressed in the MP3 mode, it determines whether or not there existsdata for storage compressed in the WMA mode as the second compressionmode. If such data exists, the data ID for the data is identified.

As stated above, after identifying the music ID of the music beingbroadcast, the title of the music, the name of the performer, thepresence or absence of data for storage, and the compression mode andthe data ID if there is data for storage, the radio server 300 at the αbroadcast station compiles these kinds of identified data into musicinformation as shown in FIG. 7. Then, it sends the music information tothe music reproducing device 200 as an accessing source, as shown inFIG. 3. The music information is also formed into packet signalsaccording to TCP/IP and then transmitted.

Besides, among the music information as shown in FIG. 7, the sectionsfor the title of the music and the name of the performer are providedwith information for expressing them in a language corresponding to thelocal information contained in the above operating environmentinformation. That is, in this embodiment, the local information is setto “Japan” and thus the sections for the title of the music and the nameof the performer are provided with JIS codes for expressing them inJapanese. Also, if it is determined that there is no data for storage onthe music being broadcast, “0” is set to the section for the presence orabsence of data for storage out of the music information, and blanks areleft in the sections for the compression mode and the data ID. Inaddition, if it is determined that there exists data for storage but thedata is not compressed in the first compression mode (MP3 mode) or thesecond compression mode (WMA mode), then “0” is set to the section forthe presence or absence of data for storage and blanks are left in thesections for the compression mode and the data ID, as in the case whereit is determined that there exists no data for storage.

The music information is received by the music reproducing device 200,and more specifically, it is input into the main CPU 16 via thecommunication connector 12 and the LAN controller 14. The main CPU 16records the input music information to a management list 40 in the flashmemory 26.

Referring to FIG. 8, the music information to be recorded on themanagement list 40 is each given a serial number “n” in recorded order.That is, the music information acquired on a later turn from the radioserver 300 at the α broadcast station is given a larger serial number“n”. The management list 40 is also provided with a section thatindicates whether the data for storage on each piece of music isdownloaded or not (the section on right end in FIG. 8), and “0” isrecorded as an initial value in the section for the music informationimmediately after acquisition, i.e., the section for the musicinformation with a serial number “N”.

It is here assumed that the title of the music being currently broadcastis “KKKKK” and that the name of the performer is “kkkkk”, as shown inthe above mentioned music information with the serial number “N”. Also,it is assumed that the data for storage on the music compressed in “MP3mode” is prepared in the music distribution server 400. In this case,the liquid crystal display 38 displays a download acceptance window asshown in FIG. 9.

Displayed in an upper part of the download acceptance window is acharacter string 112 similar to the character string 102 in the abovementioned information window of FIG. 4. Also, displayed under thecharacter string 112 are horizontally written character strings 114, 116and 118 in a vertical row that indicate the title of the music beingcurrently broadcast, the name of the performer and the compression mode(file format) of the data for storage, respectively. Moreover, under thecharacter string 118 is a horizontally written character string 120 forshowing that it is possible to download the data for storage on themusic indicated by the character strings 114 to 118 and making aninquiry about whether or not to download the data for storage. Inaddition, displayed under the character string 120 are horizontallywritten character strings 122 and 124 in a horizontal row that indicatethe functions of the F1 key 22 a and F2 key 22 b, respectively.

When the F2 key 22 b is pressed here, display of the liquid crystaldisplay 38 returns to the information window shown in FIG. 4. On theother hand, when the F1 key 22 a is pressed, the music reproducingdevice 200 (main CPU 16) stops access to the radio server 300 at the αbroadcast station and makes an access request to the music distributionserver 400 as shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, following the accessrequest, the music reproducing device 200 requests the musicdistribution server 400 for downloading of the data for storageindicated by the data ID corresponding to the serial number “N”(“E00302” in this embodiment). Besides, the access request and downloadrequest from the music reproducing device 200 to the music distributionserver 400 are also delivered by packet signals according to TCP/IP.

The music distribution server 400 is managed by β company in a businessalliance with the α broadcast station, and has a music database 402 thatrecords data for storage of music broadcast at a program from the αbroadcast station. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the musicdatabase 402 records the data for storage (files) on individual piecesof music by the above mentioned data ID, as shown in FIG. 10. However,the music database 402 does not record the data for storage on all thepieces of music broadcast at the program from the α broadcast station.No data for storage are prepared on some of these pieces of music, as inthe case of the above mentioned music titled “BBBBB” sang by theperformer named “bbbbb”. Also, even for the pieces of music on which thedata for storage are prepared, some of them have only the datacompressed in limited kind(s) of compression mode(s).

Information exchange is performed on a regular basis between the musicdistribution server 400 and the radio server 300 at the α broadcaststation. Based on the information exchange, the contents of the musicdatabase 402 and management database 302 are updated in succession. Thatis, the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station knows at all timeson what music the data for storage is prepared in the music distributionserver 400.

Upon reception of a download request from the music reproducing device200, the music distribution server 400 extracts data for storagecorresponding to the specified data ID from the music database 402.Then, it transmits the extracted data for storage to the musicreproducing device 200 as an accessing source, as shown in FIG. 3.Incidentally, prior to the transmission of the data for storage, themusic distribution server 400 sends a start instruction for starting thetransmission to the music reproducing device 200. Then, at thecompletion of transmission of the data for storage, the musicdistribution server 400 sends an end instruction to the musicreproducing device 200. The data for storage, the start instruction andthe end instruction are also sent in a state of being formed into packetsignals according to TCP/IP.

The data for storage sent to the music reproducing device 200 is inputinto the main CPU 16 via the communication connector 12 and the LANcontroller 14. The main CPU 16 records the input music information in aflash memory 42 for data storage different from the above stated flashmemory 26. That is, it downloads the music information.

Upon reception of the above mentioned start instruction, the main CPU 16also instructs the sub CPU 20 to display a message window shown in FIG.11 on the liquid crystal display 38. Displayed in the upper part of themessage window is a horizontally written character string 126 indicatingthat the music reproducing device 200 is downloading the data forstorage. Also, displayed under the character string 126 are horizontallywritten character strings 128, 130 and 132 in a vertical row thatindicate the title of the music (the data for storage) being downloaded,the name of the performer of that music and the compression mode of thatmusic, respectively. In addition, displayed under the character string132 is a horizontally written character string 134 indicative of thefunction of the F1 key 22 a.

If the F1 key 22 a is pressed here, the downloading is stopped. Then,display of the liquid crystal display 38 returns to the informationwindow of FIG. 4. On the other hand, if the downloading is completed,that is, the above mentioned end instruction is received with the F1 key22 a not pressed, another message window shown in FIG. 12 is displayedon the liquid crystal display 38, instead of the message window of FIG.11.

Displayed in the upper part of the message window of FIG. 12 is ahorizontally written character string 136 indicating that thedownloading is completed. Also, displayed under the character string 136are horizontally written character strings 138, 140 and 142 in avertical row that indicate the title of the downloaded music (data forstorage), the name of the performer and the compression mode,respectively.

After the completion of the downloading of the data for storage in thismanner, the music reproducing device 200 (the main CPU 16) makes anaccess request again to the radio server 300 at the α broadcast stationas shown in FIG. 3. In response to the access request, the radio server300 at the α broadcast station sends streaming data of the program tothe music reproducing device 200. Consequently, the speakers 34 and 36of the music reproducing device 200 output the sounds of the program.Then, display of the liquid crystal display 38 returns to theinformation window of FIG. 4. In addition, “1” indicative of thecompletion of the downloading is recorded in the download completedsection corresponding to the serial number “N” within the abovementioned management list 40 of FIG. 8.

Besides, if the music information sent from the radio server 300 at theα broadcast station in response to the above stated music informationacquisition request indicates that no data for storage is prepared forthe music being currently broadcast, a message window as shown in FIG.13 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38 of the musicreproducing device 200. According to the message window, displayed inits upper part is a character string 144 similar to the character string102 in the information window of FIG. 4. Also, displayed under thecharacter string 144 are horizontally written character strings 146 and148 in a vertical row that indicate the title of the music beingcurrently broadcast and the name of the performer, respectively.Moreover, displayed under the character string 148 is a horizontallywritten character string 150 showing that no data for storage isprepared for the music indicated by the character strings 146 and 148(this music cannot be downloaded). This message window is displayed fora certain time (about three to five seconds), and, after that, theinformation window of FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display38.

In addition, if the data for storage on the music being currentlybroadcast has been downloaded before into the music reproducing device200 and it still remains in the flash memory memory 42 (it is noterased), a message window as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the liquidcrystal display 38. According to the message window, displayed in itsupper part is a character string 152 similar to the character string 102in the information window of FIG. 4. Also, displayed under the characterstring 152 is horizontally written character strings 154, 156 and 158 ina vertical row that indicate the title of the music being currentlybroadcast, the name of the performer and the compression mode for thedata for storage, respectively. Moreover, displayed under the characterstring 158 is a horizontally written character string 160 showing thatthe data for storage on the music indicated by the character strings 154to 158 has been already downloaded. This message window is alsodisplayed for a certain time (about three to five seconds), and then theinformation window of FIG. 4 is displayed on the liquid crystal display38.

Furthermore, if the above music acquisition request is issued while anon-music content is broadcast at the program from the α broadcaststation, such as a talk of a D.J. (disc jockey) and a commercialmessage, the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station sends dummymusic information to the music reproducing device 200. Morespecifically, it sends the music information in which the music ID isset to “000000” as shown in FIG. 7. In this case, no special changetakes place on the part of the music reproducing device 200 and thus theinformation window of FIG. 4 remains displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay.

Meanwhile, according to the after download function, in the case of themusic on which the above mentioned music information is acquired but thedata for storage is not yet downloaded, it is possible to download thedata for storage on the music later.

Referring to FIG. 15, if an operation of enabling the after downloadfunction is now performed on the music reproducing device 200, forexample, a top window for the after download function as shown in FIG.16 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38.

Displayed in an information part of the top window is a horizontallywritten character string 162 showing that the after download function isenabled. Also, displayed under the character string 162 are horizontallycharacter strings 164, 166 and 168 in a vertical row that indicate thetitle of a piece of music, the name of the performer and the compressionmode of the data for storage, respectively, corresponding to one item ofthe music information recorded in the above stated management list 40.However, the character string 168 is displayed only if “1” is recordedin the section indicative of the presence or absence of data for storagecorresponding to the music represented by the character string 164 and166 within the management list 40. In addition, displayed under thecharacter string 168 (or 166) are horizontally written character strings170, 172 and 174 in a horizontal row that indicate the respectivefunctions of the F1 key 22 a, F2 key 22 b and F3 key 22 c.

If the F2 key 22 b is pressed here, the character strings 164 to 168 aredisplayed on the basis of other music information within the managementlist 40. Meanwhile, if the F3 key 22 c is pressed, the after downloadfunction is disabled. Besides, if the F1 key 22 a is pressed, a downloadacceptance window shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay.

Displayed in the upper part of the download acceptance window is acharacter string 176 similar to the character string 162 in the topwindow of FIG. 16. Also, displayed under the character string 176 arecharacter strings 178, 180 and 182 similar to the character strings 164,166 and 168 that are displayed until immediately before the abovementioned F1 key 22 a is pressed. Moreover, displayed under thecharacter string 182 (or 180) is a horizontally written character string184 for making an inquiry about whether or not to carry out downloading.Furthermore, displayed under the character string 184 are horizontallywritten character strings 186 and 188 in a horizontal row that indicatethe respective functions of the F1 key 22 a and F2 key 22 b.

If the F2 key 22 b is pressed here, display of the liquid crystaldisplay 38 returns to the top window of FIG. 16. On the other hand, ifthe F1 key 22 a is pressed, the music reproducing device 200 (the mainCPU 16) operates as described below in order to download the data forstorage on the music indicated by the character strings 178 and 180 fromthe music distribution server 400. Additionally, the operation of themusic reproducing device 200 varies depending on whether the characterstring 182 is displayed or not, that is, whether either “1” or “0” isrecorded or not in the section indicative of the present or absence ofthe data for storage on the music to be downloaded within the managementlist 40.

For example, if the character string 182 is displayed, that is, if thedata for storage on the music for which the value “1” is recorded in thesection of the presence or absence of data for storage within themanagement list 40 is to be downloaded, the music reproducing device 200operates in the same manner as in the case where the F1 key 22 a ispressed in the above mentioned download acceptance window of FIG. 9.More specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, it makes an access request and adownload request for the data for storage to be downloaded, to the musicdistribution server 400. Then, in response to the download request, thedata for storage on the music specified (by the data ID) is downloadedfrom the music distribution server 400 to the music reproducing device200.

During the downloading, a message window similar to the above describedone of FIG. 11 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38 of themusic reproducing device 200. Upon completion of the downloading,instead of the message window, a message window similar to the abovedescribed one of FIG. 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38.Then, after a lapse of a certain time (three to five seconds), displayof the liquid crystal display 38 returns to the top window of FIG. 16.

On the other hand, if the character string 182 is not displayed in thedownload acceptance window of FIG. 17, that is, if an operation ofdownloading the music for which “0” is recorded in the sectionindicative of the presence or absence of data for storage within themanagement list 40 is carried out, the music reproducing device 200firstly makes an access request to the radio server 300 at the αbroadcast station as shown in FIG. 18. Then, following the accessrequest, the music reproducing device 200 issues a music informationre-acquisition request to the radio server 300 at the α broadcaststation in order to acquire again the music information on the music tobe downloaded. In making the music information acquisition request, themusic reproducing device 200 sends the music ID for the music to bedownloaded to the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station. Also, itsends the above described operating environment information of FIG. 5together with the music ID.

Upon reception of the music information re-acquisition request issuedfrom the music reproducing device 200, the radio server 300 at the αbroadcast station extracts the music information corresponding to theabove mentioned music ID and according to the operating environmentinformation from the management database 302, in the same manner as whenreceiving the music information acquisition request. Then, it sends theextracted music information to the music reproducing device 200 as shownin FIG. 18.

The music reproducing device 200 determines whether the data for storageon the music to be downloaded is prepared or not in the musicdistribution server 400, based on the music information acquired againfrom the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station, more specifically,based on whether or not either “1” or “0” is set in the sectionindicative of the presence or absence of data for storage within themusic information. If the data for storage is prepared, that is, if ithas been found that, although the data for storage was not prepared whenthe music information was acquired before, the data for storage has beenprepared when the music information has been acquired again this time,the music reproducing device 200 updates (overwrites) the old musicinformation recorded in the management list 40 with the musicinformation acquired again this time. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, thedata for storage on the desired music is downloaded from the musicdistribution server 400 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 15.

On the other hand, if it has been found from the music informationacquired again this time that the data for storage on the music to bedownloaded has not been yet prepared, a message window as shown in FIG.19 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38 of the musicreproducing device 400. According to the message window, displayed inits upper part is a character string 190 similar to the displaycharacter string 162 in the top window of FIG. 16. Also, displayed underthe character string 190 are character strings 192, 194 and 196 similarto the above mentioned character strings 146, 148 and 150 in the messagewindow of FIG. 13. This message window is displayed for a certain time(about three to five seconds), and then the top window of FIG. 16 isdisplayed on the liquid crystal display 38.

Besides, if the data for storage on the music to be downloaded(indicated by the character strings 178, 180 and 182) in the downloadacceptance window of FIG. 17 is already downloaded and the F1 key 22 ais pressed under that condition, a message window as shown in FIG. 20 isdisplayed on the liquid crystal display 38. Displayed in the upper partof the message window is a character string 198 similar to the characterstring 162 in the top window of FIG. 16. Also, displayed under thecharacter string 198 are character strings 200, 202, 204 and 206 thatare similar to the character strings 154, 156, 158 and 160 in the abovementioned message window of FIG. 14. As with the message window of FIG.19, this message window is displayed for a certain time, and then thetop window of FIG. 16 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 38.

The data for storage downloaded in this manner by means of the quickdownload function or the after download function can be reproduced bymanipulating the operating key 22.

More specifically, when an operation of reproducing arbitrary data forstorage is performed by means of the operating key 22, the sub CPU 20notifies the main CPU 16 of the details of the operation. Based on thenotification from the sub CPU 20, the main CPU 16 reads out the data forstorage specified by the flash memory 42 in sequence by a predeterminedamount and temporarily stores the read data for storage in the SDRAM 24.The data for storage stored in the SDRAM 24 is transferred in sequenceto the DSP 18 under control of the main CPU 20. The DSP 18 decodes thetransferred data for storage in the compression mode of the transferreddata for storage (MP3 mode or MWA mode).

The PCM data generated by the decoding process is input into the D/Aconversion circuit 28 and converted there into an audio signal as ananalog electric signal. Then, the converted audio signal is input intothe speaker 34 and 36 via the sound source switching circuit 30 and theamplifying circuit 32. This allows the music (sounds) corresponding tothe downloaded data for storage to be output from the speakers 34 and36.

Additionally, the music reproducing device 200 is also equipped with aCD (Compact Disc) player 44 and an AM/FM tuner 46. By manipulating theoperating key 22, it is possible to reproduce the music (sounds) witheither the CD player 44 or the AM/FM tuner 46 as a sound source.

More specifically, when an operation of determining either the CD player44 or the AM/FM tuner 46 as a sound source is carried out by means ofthe operating key 22, the sub CPU 20 controls the sound source switchingcircuit 30 in such a manner that an analog audio signal output from thesound source side is input into the amplifying circuit 32. This allowsthe music with either the CD player 58 or the AM/FM tuner 60 as a soundsource to be output and reproduced through the speakers 34 and 36.

In order to implement the above described quick download function, themain CPU 16 carries out the processes represented by a flowchart of FIG.21 to FIG. 23 according to a control program recorded in the flashmemory 26.

More specifically, when it selects the α broadcast station by means ofits function as an Internet radio receiver described above, the main CPU16 goes to a step S1 of FIG. 21 to display the information window ofFIG. 4 (in the strict sense, it instructs the sub CPU 20 to display theinformation window) on the liquid crystal display 38. Then, it waitsuntil some operation is carried out by means of the operating key 22 ina step S3, more specifically, until the F1 key 22 a, the F2 key 22 b orthe F3 key 22 c is pressed.

When one of these keys has been pressed, the main CPU 16 moves to a stepS5 to determine which key has been pressed.

If it has determined here that the F3 key 22 c has been pressed, themain CPU 16 moves to a step S7 to stop the display of the informationwindow of FIG. 4. Then, it terminates the connection to the Internet 100in a step S9 in order to disable the function as an Internet radioreceiver, and terminates a series of the processes shown in theflowchart.

On the other hand, if the F2 key 22 b is pressed in the step S5, themain CPU 16 proceeds to a step S11 to stop the display of theinformation window of FIG. 4. Then, in the step S13, it selects anotherbroadcast station (channel) and terminates the series of the processesshown in this flowchart.

If the F1 key 22 a is pressed in the step S5, the main CPU 16 moves to astep S15 to issue a music information acquisition request to the radioserver 300 at the α broadcast station. Then, in a step S17, it waits forthe music information to be sent from the radio server 300 at the αbroadcast station in response to the music information acquisitionrequest. Then, upon reception of the music information, it proceeds to astep S19 shown in FIG. 22.

In the step S19, the main CPU 16 determines whether the received musicinformation relates to a piece of music or not, in other words, whetherthe information is a dummy or not. The determination on whether theinformation is a dummy or not depends on whether the music ID is set tothe above described value “000000”.

If the received music information is a dummy, the main CPU 16 returns tothe step S1 of FIG. 21. On the other hand, if the received musicinformation is not a dummy but relates to a piece of music, it movesfrom the step S19 to a step S21 to determine from the received musicinformation whether the data for storage is prepared or not in the musicdistribution server 400. This determination is made depending on whichof the values “1” and “0” is set in the section indicative of thepresence or absence of data for storage in

If it determined in the step S21 that no data for storage is prepared,the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S23 to refer to the management list40. Then, it determines in a step S25 whether or not there exists thesame music information as the one received this time within themanagement list 40. This determination is made on the basis of the musicID.

Then, if it determined in the step S25 that there exists the same musicinformation, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S27 to display themessage window of FIG. 13 on the liquid crystal display 38. On the otherhand, if it determines in the step S25 that the same music informationdoes not exist, the main CPU 16 records the music information receivedthis time in the management list 40 in the step S29, and then proceedsto the step S27.

After displaying the message window of FIG. 13 in the step S27, the mainCPU 16 n

s to a step S31 to wait until a certain time (about three to fiveseconds) passes. After the lapse of the certain time, it returns to thestep S1 of FIG. 21 in order to display the information window of FIG. 4.

If it determined in the above stated step S21 that the data for storageis prepared, the main CPU 16 goes to a step S33 to refer to themanagement list 40. Then, it determines in a step S35 whether or notthere exists the same music information as the one received this timewithin the management list 40. This determination is made on the basisof the music ID, as in the case of the step S25.

Then, if it determined in the step S35 that there exists the same musicinformation, the main CPU 16 goes to the step S37 to determine whetheror not the management list 40 shows that the data for storage on themusic represented by the music information received this time isprepared, that is, whether or not “1” is recorded in the sectionindicative of the presence or absence of data for storage in themanagement list 40. Then, if it determined that the management list 40shows that the data for storage is prepared, the main CPU 16 moves to astep S39 to determine whether or not the data for storage on the musicID is already downloaded, that is, whether or not “1” is recorded in thesection indicative of the completion of downloading in the managementlist 40.

If the data for storage is already downloaded, the main CPU 16 goes to astep S41 to display the message window of FIG. 14 on the liquid crystaldisplay 38. Then, it waits until a certain time passes in the step S31and then returns to the step S1 of FIG. 21. On the other hand, if thedata for storage is not yet downloaded, the main CPU 16 moves from thestep S39 to a step S43 of FIG. 23.

In contrast to that, if it determined in the above mentioned step S37that the management list 40 shows no preparation of the data forstorage, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S45. Then, after updatingthe old music information recorded in the management list 40 with themusic information newly received this time in the step S45, the main CPU16 proceeds to the step S43 of FIG. 23.

Moreover, if it determined in the above mentioned step S35 that thereexists no same music information as the one received this time withinthe management list 40, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S47. Then,after recording the music information received this time in themanagement list 40 in this step S47, it moves to the step S43 of FIG.23.

In the step S43, the main CPU 16 displays the download acceptance windowof FIG. 9 on the liquid crystal display 38. Then, in a step S49, itwaits until any operation is performed by means of the operating key 22,more specifically, until the F1 key 22 a or the F2 key 22 b is pressed.When either key has been pressed, it proceeds to a step S51.

The main CPU 16 determines in the step S51 whether the F1 key 22 a hasbeen pressed or not in the above mentioned step S49. If the F2 key 22 bwas pressed here, not the F1 key 22 a, it returns to the step S1 of FIG.21. On the other hand, if the F1 key 22 a was pressed, it moves to astep S53.

In the step S53, the main CPU 16 stops the access to the radio server300 at the α broadcast station and issues an access request to the musicdistribution server 400. Then, in addition to the access request, itissues a download request for the data for storage corresponding to themusic information received this time. In a step S55, it waits for theabove stated start instruction to be sent from the music distributionserver 400.

Upon reception of the start instruction in the step S55, the main CPU 16goes to a step S57 to start downloading the data for storage from themusic distribution server 400. Then, after displaying the message windowof FIG. 11 on the liquid crystal display 38 in a step S59, it determinesin a step S61 whether the downloading is completed or not, that is,whether the above mentioned end instruction is received from the musicdistribution server 400.

If it has determined here that the downloading is not completed, themain CPU 16 goes to a step S63 to determine whether the F1 key 22 a hasbeen pressed or not. Then, if it determined in the step S63 that the F1key 22 a has not been pressed, it returns to the step S61.

Then, if it determined in the step S61 that the downloading is completedby receiving the end instruction from the music distribution server 400,the main CPU 16 moves to a step S65 to record the completion of thedownloading in the management list 40. That is, it records “1” in thesection indicative of the completion of downloading within themanagement list 40. Then, after displaying the message of FIG. 12 on theliquid crystal display 38 in a step S67, it makes an access request tothe radio server 300 at the α broadcast station in a step S69 andreturns to the step S1 of the FIG. 21.

On the other hand, if the F1 key 22 a is pressed in the above mentionedstep S63, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S71 to send a stopinstruction for stopping the downloading to the music distributionserver 400 and stops the downloading. Then, after displaying a notillustrated message window indicative of the stoppage of the downloadingon the liquid crystal display 38 in a step S73, it returns to the stepS1 of FIG. 31 through the step S69.

Meanwhile, in order to implement the above mentioned after downloadfunction, the main CPU 16 performs the processes shown in the flowchartof FIG. 24 to FIG. 26 according to the above mentioned control program.

More specifically, when the after download function is enabled bymanipulating the operating key 22, the main CPU 16 goes to a step S101of FIG. 24 to set the value “1” to an index (this is also indicated witha code n) for specifying the serial number “n” for the music informationwithin the management list 40. Then, in a step S103, it refers to themanagement list 40 to recognize the music information specified by theindex n. Then, based on the result of this recognition, the main CPU 16displays the top window of FIG. 16 on the liquid crystal display 38.

After execution of a step S105, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S107to wait until some operation is performed by means of the operating key22, more specifically, until the F1 key 22 a, the F2 key 22 b or the F3key 22 c is pressed. Then, when any of these keys has been pressed, itgoes to a step S109 to determine which key has been pressed.

If it has determined here that the F3 key 22 c has been pressed, themain CPU 16 stops displaying the top window in a step S111 andterminates a series of the processes shown in this flowchart.

If it determined in the step S109 that the F2 key 22 b has been pressed,the main CPU 16 goes to a step S113 to compare a value for the abovementioned index n with the maximum value “N” for the serial number “n”.If the two values are the same, it returns to the step S101. If thevalue for the index n is smaller than the maximum value “N” for theserial number “n”, it moves from the step S113 to a step S115 toincrement the value for the index n by “1”. Then, the main CPU 16returns to the step S103 to display the top window of FIG. 16 on theliquid crystal display 38 based on the music information specified bythe index n after the increment.

If it determined in the step S109 that the F1 key 22 a has been pressed,the main CPU 16 goes to a step S117 of FIG. 25. Then, it determines inthe step S117 whether the data for storage on the music currentlydisplayed in the top window of FIG. 16 is already downloaded or not.This determination is made depending on whether “1” is recorded or notin the section indicative the completion of downloading within themanagement list 40.

If it determined in the step S117 that the data for storage is alreadydownloaded, the main CPU 16 goes to a step S119 to display the messagewindow of FIG. 20 on the liquid crystal display 38. Then, after waitinguntil a certain time (about three to five seconds) passes in a stepS121, it returns to the step S103 of FIG. 24.

On the other hand, if it determined that the data for storage is not yetdownloaded, the main CPU 16 moves to a step S123. Then, it determineswhether or not the management list 40 shows that the data for storage onthe music currently displayed in the top window of FIG. 16 is prepared,that is, whether or not “1” is recorded in the section indicative of thepresence or absence of data for storage. If the data for storage isprepared, the main CPU 16 proceeds to a step S125.

The step S125 is the same process as that of the above stated step S53shown in FIG. 23, and also steps S127 to S143 following the step S125are the same processes as those of the steps S55 to S73 (except for thestep S69) shown in FIG. 23. Therefore, a detailed description is notgiven as to these steps S125 to S143.

After execution of the step S139, or after execution of the step S143,the main

After execution of the step S139, or after execution of the step S143,the main CPU 16 moves to a step S145 to terminate the connection to theInternet 100. Then, after execution of the step S145, it returns to thestep S103 of FIG. 24.

Additionally, if it determined in the above mentioned step S123 that themanagement list 40 shows no preparation of the data for storage, themain CPU 16 goes to a step S147 of FIG. 26. Then, in the step S147, itmakes an access request to the radio server 300 at the α broadcaststation and also makes a music information re-acquisition request forthe music currently displayed in the top window shown in FIG. 16. Then,it waits for the music information to be sent from the radio server 300at the α broadcast station in response to the music informationre-acquisition request. Upon reception of the music information in astep S149, it proceeds to a step S151.

In the step S151, the main CPU 16 determines from the music informationreceived in the above mentioned step S149 whether the data for storageis prepared or not. If the data for storage is prepared, the main CPU 16moves to a step S153 to update the old music information recorded in themanagement list 40 with the new music information received in the stepS149. Then, it goes to the step S125 of FIG. 25 to download the data forstorage from the music distribution server 400 based on the new musicinformation.

On the other hand, if it determined in the step S149 from the receivedmusic information that the data for storage is not yet prepared, themain CPU 16 moves from the step S151 to a step S155. Then, afterdisplaying the message window of FIG. 19 on the liquid crystal display38 in the step S155, it waits until a certain time (about three to fiveseconds) passes. After the lapse of the certain time, it returns to thestep S103 of FIG. 24 through the step S145 of FIG. 25.

In response to the operation of the music reproducing device 200 (themain CPU 16), the radio server 300 at the α broadcast station performsthe processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 27 while it is accessed(selected) by the music reproducing device 200.

More specifically, the radio server 300 at the α broadcast stationdetermines in the step S201 whether or not the music reproducing device200 has issued a music information request. If it has determined herethat the music information request has been issued, it proceeds to astep S203 to analyze the details of the operating environmentinformation together with the music information acquisition request sentfrom the music reproducing device 200. Then, it stores a result of theanalysis, that is, the first compression mode, the second compressionmode and the local information in a not illustrated storage areacontained in it.

Then, the radio server 300 determines in the step S205 whether a pieceof music is currently broadcast or not. If a D.J.'s talk or a CM isbroadcast, not a piece of music, the radio server 300 proceeds to a stepS207 to generate the above stated dummy music information. In a stepS209, it sends the generated dummy music information to the musicreproducing device 200 as an accessing source, and temporarilyterminates a series of the processes shown in FIG. 27.

On the other hand, if a piece of music is currently broadcast, the radioserver 300 moves from the step S205 to a step S211 to extract theinformation on the music being broadcast from the management database302. Then, in a step S213, it determines from a result of the extractionin the step S211 whether data for storage on the music being broadcastis prepared or not in the music distribution server 400.

If the data for storage is prepared here, the radio server 300 furtherdetermines in a step S215 whether data for storage compressed in theabove stated first compression mode is prepared or not. Then, if thedata for storage compressed in the compression mode is prepared, a dataID for the data for storage is identified in a step S217. Then, in astep S219, the radio server 300 generates the music information shown inFIG. 5, based on the data ID identified in the step S217 and the resultof the extraction in the above mentioned step S211. Incidentally, as forthe title of the music and the name of the performer among the musicinformation, information for expressing these items in the above statedlocal information is prepared.

Then, the radio server 300 sends the music information generated in thestep S219 to the music reproducing device 200 in a step 209.

On the other hand, if it determined in the above stated step S215 thatno data for storage compressed in the first compression mode isprepared, the radio server 300 goes to the step S221 to determinewhether the data for storage compressed in the above stated secondcompression mode is prepared or not. Then, if the data for storagecompressed in such a compression mode is prepared, the radio server 300moves to a step S223 to identify the data ID for the data for storage,and then proceeds to a step S219.

Additionally, if it determined in the step S221 that no data for storagecompressed in the second compression mode is prepared, the radio server300 proceeds to a step S225. Then it comes to conclusion in the stepS225 that there is no data for storage, and generates music informationbased on this result in the step S219. Also, if it determined that nodata for storage is prepared in the above described step S213, the radioserver 300 proceeds to the step S219 through the step S225.

Then, if it determined in the above mentioned step S201 that the musicreproducing device 200 has not issued a music information acquisitionrequest, the radio server 300 goes to a step S227 to determine whetheror not the music reproducing device 200 has issued a music informationre-acquisition request. If it determined here that the music informationre-acquisition request has been issued, the radio server 300 moves to astep S229 to analyze the details of the operating environmentinformation sent together with the music information re-acquisitionrequest. Then, the radio server 300 stores a result of the analysis inthe above mentioned storage area. Additionally, the radio server 300sends a music ID together with the operating environment information,and the music ID is also stored in the storage area.

Then, in a step S231, the radio server 300 extracts information on themusic ID stored in the storage area in the step S229 from the managementdatabase 302. Then, after performing the step S23 1, it proceeds to thestep S213.

Also, if it determined in the step S227 that the music reproducingdevice 200 did not issue a music information re-acquisition request, theradio server 300 terminates the series of the processes shown in theflowchart of FIG. 27.

Additionally, the music distribution server 400 managed by the β companyperforms the processes shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28 while it isaccessed by the music reproducing device 200.

More specifically, the music distribution server 400 determines in astep S301 whether the music reproducing device 200 has issued a downloadrequest or not. If it has determined here that the download request hasbeen issued, the music distribution server 400 goes to a step S303 toextract data for storage on the music specified by the download request(data ID) from the music database 402. Then, after sending the abovementioned start instruction to the music reproducing device 200 as anaccessing source in a step S305, it starts transmission of the data forstorage extracted in the step S303 to the music reproducing device 200in a step S307. After performing the step S307, the music distributionserver 400 temporarily terminates a series of the processes shown in theflowchart of FIG. 28.

On the other hand, if it determined in the step S301 that the musicreproducing device 200 did not issue a download request, the musicdistribution server 400 proceeds to a step S309. Then, it determines inthe step S309 whether or not the data for storage is currently beingtransmitted to the music reproducing device 200. If the data is notbeing transmitted, the music distribution server 400 directly terminatesthe series of the processes shown in this flowchart. If the data isbeing transmitted, the music distribution server 400 proceeds to a stepS311 to determine whether the data for storage has been completelytransmitted or not. Then, if the data for storage has been completelytransmitted, the music distribution server 400 sends the above mentionedend instruction to the music reproducing device 200 to terminate theseries of the processes in a step S313.

If it determined in the step S311 that the data for storage is notcompletely transmitted, the music distribution server 400 further goesto a step S315 to determine whether or not the music reproducing device200 has sent the above mentioned stop instruction. If it has receivedthe stop instruction, the music distribution server 400 stopstransmitting the data for storage in a step S317 to terminate the seriesof the processes shown in this flowchart. On the other hand, if it hasnot received the stop instruction, the music distribution server 400directly terminates the series of the processes.

As understood from the above description, according to the quickdownload function of the music reproducing device 200 in thisembodiment, when arbitrary music is being broadcast at a program fromthe α broadcast station, the user can promptly download data for storageon the music from the music distribution server 400 by just performing asimple operation of pressing the F1 key 22 a twice. Also, the data isprovided in a compression mode capable of being decoded by the musicreproducing device 200. That is, this function makes it possible todownload the data for storage on desired music in an easy manner and ina form according to the operating environment of the music reproducingdevice 200.

In addition, according to the after download function, the user canselect a piece of music to be downloaded by pressing the F2 key 22 b.After deciding the music to be downloaded, he can download data forstorage on the music from the music distribution server 400 by justperforming a simple operation of pressing the F1 key 22 a twice. Also,in this case as well, the data to be downloaded is provided in thecompression mode capable of being decoded by the music reproducingdevice 200. Therefore, the after download function also makes itpossible to download the data for storage in an easy manner and in aform according to the operating environment of the music reproducingdevice 200.

Besides, employed in this embodiment are one radio server 300 and onemusic distribution server 400 which constitute the music distributionsystem 10, for the sake of simplified description. Alternatively,pluralities of these servers may be provided. In this case, it isnecessary to incorporate URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information fordesignating the music distribution server 400 as a download requestdestination into the music information transmitted from the radio server300 to the music distribution device 200.

In addition, among the information recorded in the management database302 of the radio server 300, only the music information according to theoperating environment of the music reproducing device 200 are heretransmitted to the music reproducing device 200. However, theinformation transmitted to the music reproducing device 200 is notlimited to the music information. For example, all the music informationon an arbitrary piece of music may be transmitted from the radio server300 to the music reproducing device 200. Also, the music reproducingdevice 200 may extract information according to its operatingenvironment from among the acquired music information later and thendownload the data for storage from the music distribution server 400based on the extracted information.

Also, in this embodiment, the compression modes supported by the musicreproducing device 200 are limited to the MP3 mode and the WMA mode.Alternatively, other compression modes may be supported.

Besides, the operating environment information transmitted from themusic reproducing device 200 to the radio server 300 includes the firstcompression mode, the second compression mode and the local information.As an alternative, it includes other information. For example, suchinformation as the model name, serial number and manufacturing date ofthe music reproducing device 200 may be incorporated into the operatingenvironment information.

Moreover, the means to connect the music reproducing device 200 to theInternet 100 are not limited to the wired ones and may be wireless ones.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a description is given as to the casewhere music, an audio content, is handled. The present invention is alsoapplicable to the case where visual contents such as images are handled.A fee may be charged or not for these contents.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated indetail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustrationand example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spiritand scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms ofthe appended claims.

1: A content capturing device having a function of reproducing in realtime a first content signal received from a first sending source,comprising: a holder for holding an operating environment information;an acquirer for acquiring content information corresponding to the firstcontent signal and according to the operating environment informationfrom said first sending source; and a capturer for capturing a secondcontent signal for storage from a second sending source based on thecontent information. 2: A content capturing device according to claim 1,wherein said acquirer includes a requester for issuing a request to saidfirst sending source for acquisition of the content information, and areceiver for receiving the content information sent from said firstsending source in response to the request made by said requester. 3: Acontent capturing device according to claim 2, wherein said requesterdelivers the operating environment information in making a request tosaid first sending source for acquisition of the content information. 4:A content capturing device according to claim 1, wherein the secondcontent signal is a compressed signal, further comprising a decompressorfor decompressing the second content signal which is compressed, andwherein the operating environment information includes compression modeinformation on compression modes supported by said decompressor. 5: Acontent capturing device according to claim 1, wherein the operatingenvironment information includes language information indicative of aspecific language, and further comprising an information outputter foroutputting at least a part of said content information in said specificlanguage. 6: A content capturing device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a setter for arbitrarily setting the operating environmentinformation. 7: A content capturing device according to claim 1, whereinthe first content signal is an audio signal for radio broadcasting. 8: Acontent capturing method with a function of reproducing in real time afirst content signal received from a first sending source, comprisingsteps of: a holding step of holding an operating environmentinformation; an acquiring step of acquiring content informationcorresponding to the first content signal and according to the operatingenvironment information from said first sending source; and a capturingstep of capturing a second content signal for storage from a secondsending source based on the content information.